Chapter 5: More Than Friends

Blindingly bright light shined in Coco's sight as her eyes opened only to wince at the sight. Soon her eyes adjusted themselves to it and she looked to the source of the light, which seemed to be the dorm window. It was the morning sunlight. Coco turned her head toward the clock to see 8:54 AM on it. Her eyes widened momentarily, thinking she was gonna be late for class, but then relaxed when she remembered today was a Saturday. She moved to get up when she felt she was weighed down by something and then looked down to see Velvet lying asleep on top of her, with them both completely naked.

"Holy shit, that wasn't a dream," Coco said under her breath with eyes wide.

Coco remained still as she continued to watch the rabbit faunus sleep peacefully with her head against Coco's chest. She had to admit that Velvet looked really cute sleeping, adorable even. The edges of Coco's mouth curled up seeing her like this. Coco moved her hand to Velvet's head and began to lightly brush Velvet's long brown hair with her fingers. A couple minutes passed before the constant brushing started to sir Velvet awake, as she slowly opened her eyes, and upon seeing Coco she couldn't help but smile at her.

"Hey Cutie," Coco spoke softly to the still slightly dazed Velvet, baring her own smile, "Sleep well?"

"Last night," Velvet started before yawning and rubbing her right eye, "Was that all real?"

"Yes Velv," Coco answered, "Last night was very much real."

"Good," Velvet simply replied before pulling herself up to Coco, giving a small kiss, "I didn't want that to just be a dream. I'm really happy I told you how I feel about you."

"Come on, it's almost nine," Coco stated, rolling Velvet off of her and got out of her bed, "We need to get dressed so the guys don't see us like this."

"AM? You mean we slept through the night together?" Velvet asked before a thought entered her mind, "Oh god, do you think they saw us... like this?!"

"Oh shit," Coco muttered when she realized what Velvet said was actually highly possible.

Coco quickly picked up her undergarments off the floor and slipped them on, then she tossed Velvet her sweatpants and sweatshirt and retreated into the bathroom to retrieve the rest of her clothes. After a good five minutes of dressing, Coco was finishing the final touches of her attire when she heard Velvet's voice call out for her.

"Um, Coco," Velvet called out in a concerning tone.

Coco existed the bathroom, now in her full attire with the exception of her beret and shades, to see a now dressed Velvet standing a few feet away looking at a piece of paper. Coco made her way to Velvet and took the paper out of the girl's hands and looked down at it to see its contents only to be horribly shocked and mortified by what she read.

I left this note just to let you know that I had walked in while you two were asleep. I did not mean to intrude, but it was late and I did not think of knocking. My honest mistake. Do not threat, I warned Yatsuhashi to find somewhere else for the night, and I will keep this to myself as it is not my right to tell anyone. So your secret is safe with me, but I do hope one day you will feel comfortable enough to feel like you don't have to hide this from us. We are a team after all.

-Fox

P.S. Glad to see you two found someone you hold dear to your hearts and you have my full support. I wish you both the best of luck.

Coco had a strange mix of thoughts and feelings. On one hand she was unnerved and kinda turned off by the thought of Fox seeing her in such a state, much less with Velvet on top of her, but on the other hand it was rather touching to see he was happy for them and that he approved. She honestly didn't know how to handle this. Should she call Fox and let him know she got his message or just shrug it off and act like nothing happened? If she did bring it up it would no doubt be awkward, but if she did nothing... well she didn't know what would happen, but doubted it would be good. She looked to Velvet to see her face baring the same unknowing look she herself had but knew something was on her mind.

"What is it?" she asked getting straight to the point.

"Um, well," Velvet hesitated, "It says we have his support and, um, I was wondering... What are we?"

"What do you mean?" Coco confusingly asked back to the faunus.

"Just curious about what we are now after last night," Velvet explained, "Are we a thing?"

Coco didn't know how to answer the question. Velvet has made it very clear that she has feelings for her, so of course she would like them to be together, but she doesn't feel that same. Sure, Coco thought Velvet was sweet, considerate, smart, cute, always willing to help or just talk if needed, was just real fun to be with, and she had a really adorable little smile and... Coco forgot very quickly where she was going with this.

"I... I don't know Velvet. Look, you're a really great person, and any guy, um girl, would be lucky to have you," Coco spoke honestly, "But we're teammates, friends, and if we have a falling out that can be bad for us. We can fool around all you want, but we just shouldn't have a relationship. I'm sor-"

Coco was cut off when her lips were caught open by Velvet's. Velvet forced a kiss on her, both to keep her from saying anymore and because she wanted to show Coco how much she felt for her. Coco was caught off guard, and while part of her knew she should push Velvet off of her, the other part of her just wanted to let it happen. The second half won her mind over and she kissed back and place her hands on Velvet's waist. Velvet herself moved her hands to caress the sides of Coco's face and hold her in place. She wanted to make this moment last as long as she could. Even Coco didn't want to end it, admitting to herself that it felt real nice to kiss the faunus girl. After a solid minute, the two broke their kiss to breath.

"You don't really mean that, so please don't say it," Velvet pleaded with tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes, "I get that you don't want a repeat of your last relationship, but I know you want to try. So just... Just give me a chance. Give us a chance. If nothing happens, fine, we can just be friends, but on the off chance something does click between us, I want to take it."

Coco knew very well that Velvet had backed her into a corner. What was she supposed to do? Say no and crush the poor girls spirit? Not a chance. She had no real choice but to give this a shot. But really, it's not like Coco was against it. She just rather not get any high hopes just to have history repeat itself. She told herself that this was Velvet, and even if she didn't already say it, she knew Velvet wouldn't do something like that, she was too sweet and caring.

'You know what, what the hell?' Coco thought to herself, 'Let's give it a shot! Who knows. Maybe this will be good. For both of us.'

"Alright, Velvet. I will go out with you and see if us being together can work," she gave in and witnessed the faunus grow a smile at the news, "But, if for some reason we break up, it can't cause difficulty for the team. Okay?"

Velvet did not say anything to answer. Instead, she surprised Coco when she lunged forward and kissed her once again. Upon catching her, Coco lost her footing and fell backwards onto the bed, pulling Velvet down with her. After their brief stumble and her initial jump, Coco began kiss her back. A moment passed with just them on the bed the had shared the previous night, once again with embracing the each other. One minute went by before Velvet separated her lips from Coco's.

"Thank you," Velvet said looking down to the girl of her dreams, "Um, please don't tell anybody about us. I don't think I'm quite ready to come out to everyone."

"Hey, it's your secret," Coco responded, "It is not my right to tell anyone."

"You stole that from Fox's note didn't you?" Velvet asked as she narrowed her eyes.

"Maybe just a little," Coco answered, "I won't tell anyone. I came out at my own pace and you should at yours. Now come on, let's get going. The guys are probably waiting for us."

The two got off of the bed and gathered everything they need, including their weapons. They shared one look and nodded to each other before opening the door and leaving their dorm to make their way to the dining hall for breakfast and to meet up with the rest of their team and friends.